Calanais Standing Stones
Location: By Stornoway, Isle of Lewis HS2 9DY
The main monument is extraordinary – a cross-shaped setting of stones, centred on a circle of tall stones. At its heart stands a solitary monolith 4.8m high. Lines of smaller stones radiate from the circle to east, west and south. From the north runs an avenue 83m long, formed by two lines of stones that narrow as they approach the circle. Within the circle is a chambered tomb. Archaeological excavation in the 1980s proved that the main circle was erected 4,500–5,000 years ago, and the chambered tomb a few generations later. But why did the Stone-Age people build Calanais? Our best guess is that it served as a kind of astronomical observatory.
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Free entry with a valid YAC Pass Card when accompanied by a paying adult